International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Chemistry Practice Exam

What property of metals allows them to be easily shaped into wires?

1. They are non-reactive

2. They have layers of atoms that can slide over each other

3. They have low melting points

4. They are good conductors of heat

The correct answer is: They have layers of atoms that can slide over each other

The ability of metals to be easily shaped into wires is primarily due to the presence of layers of atoms that can slide over each other. In metals, atoms are arranged in a crystal lattice structure, where layers of atoms can move due to the delocalized electrons that allow metal atoms to shift without breaking the metallic bonds. This property, known as malleability, enables metals to be drawn into wires, as they can deform under stress without fracturing. The other options do not directly relate to the property that allows metals to be shaped into wires. While non-reactivity may be a characteristic of some metals, it does not influence their ability to be deformed. Low melting points are not typical for most metals, especially when discussing those known for their ductility and malleability. Lastly, while good conductivity is an important property of metals, it pertains to the flow of heat and electricity rather than their physical ability to be shaped. Hence, the ability of metal layers to slide over one another is what fundamentally allows the shaping into wires.